10802697

Mechanism for Range Slider Thumb Selection

PublishedOctober 13, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computer-implemented system, comprising: a hardware processor; a display; and a processor readable hardware storage device, wherein the processor readable hardware storage device has processor executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the following: provide, via the display, a graphical user interface and a range slider within the graphical user interface, wherein the range slider comprises a first slider thumb, a second slider thumb, and a slider track having the first and second slider thumbs slidable graphically therealong, and further wherein each of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb is positioned at a respective location along the slider track and each is associated with a corresponding value along the slider track; detect user interaction in the graphical user interface via the range slider; identify that the user interaction includes at least one of a tap or a drag; respond to the user interaction by: receiving a value representing the tap or the drag; processing the value to determine a location along the slider track of the user interaction; identifying, as a function of at least the determined location, the user interaction as being with one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; selecting the identified one slider thumb; repositioning the selected one slider thumb to the determined location along the slider track; providing a graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb; and determining a slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb along the slider track.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) with a range slider for selecting values within a specified range. The range slider includes two slider thumbs (first and second) and a slider track, where each thumb is movable along the track and represents a corresponding value. The system detects user interactions, such as taps or drags, on the slider. When a user interacts with the slider, the system processes the input to determine the interaction's location along the track, identifies which slider thumb was targeted, and repositions that thumb to the new location. A graphical selection overlay is displayed on the selected thumb to indicate the active selection. The system then determines the value associated with the repositioned thumb along the slider track. This allows users to adjust two distinct values within a range using intuitive touch or pointer interactions, providing precise control over dual-value selection in applications like data filtering, parameter adjustment, or range-based input fields. The system enhances usability by visually confirming the selected thumb and dynamically updating the associated value.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer-implemented system of claim 1 , wherein selecting the identified one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb further includes: selecting the first slider thumb by processing the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction, the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is closer to the position of the first slider thumb than the position of the second slider thumb, and further that the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction is not between the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb; or selecting the first slider thumb by processing the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction, the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is closer to the position of the second slider thumb than the position of the first slider thumb, and further that the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction is not between the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for selecting between two slider thumbs on a slider track in a graphical user interface. The system addresses the problem of accurately determining which of two slider thumbs a user intends to interact with when their input is near both thumbs or between them. The system processes the location of the user interaction along the slider track and compares it to the positions of the first and second slider thumbs. If the user interaction is closer to the first slider thumb and not positioned between the two thumbs, the first slider thumb is selected. Conversely, if the user interaction is closer to the second slider thumb and not positioned between the two thumbs, the second slider thumb is selected. This ensures that the system correctly identifies the intended slider thumb even when the user's input is near both thumbs or between them, improving user experience in applications requiring precise slider control. The system may be part of a larger graphical user interface that includes multiple interactive elements, such as sliders, buttons, or other controls, where accurate input detection is critical.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer-implemented system of claim 1 , wherein the processor readable hardware storage device further has processor executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the following: identify that the user interaction includes a lift; respond to the user interaction by: receiving a value representing lift; and removing the graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for enhancing user interaction with graphical sliders in a user interface. The system addresses the problem of unintended selections or interactions with slider controls, particularly when users perform gestures like lifting their finger or stylus from a touchscreen interface. The system improves user experience by dynamically adjusting the interface in response to detected interactions, such as lifting a finger from a slider thumb, to prevent unintended adjustments or selections. The system includes a processor and a hardware storage device containing executable instructions. When executed, the instructions cause the system to identify a user interaction involving a lift gesture, such as raising a finger from a touchscreen. In response, the system receives a value representing the lift and removes a graphical selection overlay from the selected slider thumb. This ensures that the slider thumb is no longer highlighted or selected, preventing further unintended adjustments. The system may also include additional features, such as detecting the initial selection of a slider thumb, displaying a graphical overlay to indicate selection, and adjusting the slider position based on user input. The overall goal is to provide a more intuitive and responsive user interface for slider controls, reducing errors and improving usability.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer-implemented system of claim 3 , wherein the processor readable hardware storage device further has processor executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the following: transmit, to a software application executing by at least one hardware processor, the slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb, wherein the transmitted slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb is usable for further processing by the software application.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented system enhances user interaction with software applications by dynamically transmitting slider track values to applications in real-time. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with at least one slider control, each having a slider track and at least one slider thumb. The system detects user input selecting a slider thumb and tracks its movement along the slider track. As the thumb is repositioned, the system calculates a slider track value corresponding to the new location. This value is then transmitted to a software application executing on at least one hardware processor. The application can use this transmitted value for further processing, such as adjusting settings, triggering actions, or updating data based on the user's input. The system ensures seamless integration between the GUI and the application, enabling responsive and precise control over application functions through slider interactions. This approach improves user experience by providing immediate feedback and enabling dynamic adjustments within the application based on slider manipulations.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computer-implemented system of claim 1 , wherein the processor readable hardware storage device further has processor executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the following: identify that the user interaction is a drag; respond to the user interaction by: receiving information representing drag displacement, wherein the drag displacement represents that the user interaction has at least a non-zero movement; processing the information representing the drag displacement to determine a direction of movement along the slider track of the user interaction; identifying, as a function of at least the determined direction of movement, one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; selecting the one slider thumb identified on the basis of the determined direction of movement; repositioning the selected one slider thumb to the determined location along the slider track; providing a graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb; and determining a slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb along the slider track.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for enhancing user interaction with a slider interface, particularly in adjusting values using drag gestures. The problem addressed is the need for precise and intuitive control over dual-slider interfaces, where users may struggle to select and manipulate individual slider thumbs efficiently. The system processes user drag interactions by analyzing drag displacement to determine movement direction along a slider track. Based on the direction, it identifies and selects one of two slider thumbs (e.g., left or right) and repositions it to a new location along the track. A graphical overlay highlights the selected thumb, and the system calculates the corresponding slider value for the repositioned thumb. This ensures clear feedback and accurate value adjustments, improving usability in applications requiring fine-tuned dual-slider controls, such as audio mixing, color grading, or parameter tuning. The system dynamically responds to drag gestures, eliminating ambiguity in thumb selection and streamlining the adjustment process.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computer-implemented system of claim 1 , wherein the processor readable hardware storage device further has processor executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the following: detect, in the graphical user interface via the range slider, further user interaction; identify that the further user interaction includes at least one of a tap or a drag; respond to the user interaction by: receiving a second value representing the tap or the drag associated with the further user interaction; processing the second value to determine a location along the slider track of the further user interaction; determining, as a function of the determined location, a first location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and a second location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is along the slider track between the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; and providing a graphical position overlay in the range slider substantially at the position location along the slider track of the further user interaction.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for enhancing user interaction with a range slider in a graphical user interface. The range slider includes a slider track with two movable slider thumbs defining a selectable range. The system detects further user interaction with the range slider, such as a tap or drag gesture, and processes the interaction to determine its location along the slider track. The system then identifies whether the interaction occurs between the two slider thumbs. If so, it provides a graphical position overlay at the interaction location, visually indicating the position relative to the selected range. This feature improves user feedback and precision when adjusting or querying values within a defined range, addressing the challenge of accurately interpreting and interacting with range-based input controls in digital interfaces. The system dynamically responds to user gestures, ensuring intuitive and responsive adjustments to the slider thumbs or visual feedback for range selection.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The computer-implemented system of claim 6 , wherein the processor readable hardware storage device further has processor executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the following: remove the graphical selection overlay, and deselect the selected one slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented system for interactive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) addresses the problem of managing user selections in slider controls. Slider controls are common in GUIs for adjusting values, but existing systems often lack intuitive ways to deselect or reset slider positions after interaction. This system enhances user experience by providing a seamless method to remove graphical selection overlays and deselect slider thumbs. The system includes a processor and a hardware storage device containing executable instructions. When executed, these instructions cause the system to detect user input, such as a click or tap, and remove the graphical selection overlay from the slider thumb. Simultaneously, the selected slider thumb is deselected, returning it to a neutral state. This ensures that the user can easily reset the slider without additional steps, improving usability and reducing frustration. The system may also include additional features, such as dynamic adjustments to the slider's appearance or functionality based on user interactions, ensuring a responsive and intuitive interface. By automating the deselection process, the system streamlines user workflows and enhances the overall efficiency of interactive applications.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A computer-implemented method, the method comprising: providing, via a display, a graphical user interface and a range slider within the graphical user interface, wherein the range slider comprises a first slider thumb, a second slider thumb, and a slider track having the first and second slider thumbs slidable graphically therealong, and further wherein each of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb is positioned at a respective location along the slider track and each is associated with a corresponding value along the slider track; detecting, by a hardware processor configured by executing instructions stored on processor readable media, user interaction in the graphical user interface via the range slider; identifying, by the processor, that the user interaction includes at least one of a tap or a drag; responding, by the processor, to the user interaction by: receiving a value representing the tap or the drag; processing the value to determine a location along the slider track of the user interaction; identifying, as a function of at least the determined location, the user interaction as being with one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; selecting the identified one slider thumb; repositioning the selected one slider thumb to the determined location along the slider track; providing a graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb; and determining a slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb along the slider track.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for enhancing user interaction with a range slider in a graphical user interface (GUI). The range slider includes a first slider thumb, a second slider thumb, and a slider track, where both thumbs are movable along the track. Each thumb is positioned at a specific location on the track and corresponds to a value. The method involves detecting user interaction with the range slider, such as a tap or drag gesture. The system processes the interaction to determine the location along the slider track where the interaction occurred and identifies which slider thumb (first or second) was targeted. The selected thumb is then repositioned to the determined location, and a graphical selection overlay is applied to visually indicate the selected thumb. The system also calculates the value associated with the new position of the repositioned thumb along the slider track. This method improves user experience by providing clear visual feedback and precise control over range selection in a GUI.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , wherein selecting the identified one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb further includes: selecting the first slider thumb by processing the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction, the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is closer to the position of the first slider thumb than the position of the second slider thumb, and further that the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction is not between the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb; or selecting the first slider thumb by processing the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction, the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is closer to the position of the second slider thumb than the position of the first slider thumb, and further that the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction is not between the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

In the field of user interface design, particularly for touch-based or pointer-based input systems, a method is disclosed for selecting one of two slider thumbs on a slider track. The method addresses the challenge of accurately determining which of two adjacent slider thumbs a user intends to interact with, especially when the user's input is near the boundary between them. The method processes the location of the user interaction along the slider track and compares it to the positions of the first and second slider thumbs. If the user interaction is closer to the first slider thumb and not positioned between the two thumbs, the first slider thumb is selected. Conversely, if the user interaction is closer to the second slider thumb and not positioned between the two thumbs, the second slider thumb is selected. This ensures that the selection is based on proximity and avoids ambiguity when the interaction is directly between the two thumbs. The method enhances user experience by reducing unintended selections and improving the accuracy of slider interactions in graphical user interfaces.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , further comprising: identifying, by the processor, that the user interaction includes a lift; responding, by the processor, to the user interaction by: receiving a value representing lift; and removing the graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for interactive sliders, particularly in digital environments where precise input is required. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately selecting and manipulating slider controls, especially when fine adjustments are needed. Traditional sliders often lack intuitive feedback or require multiple interactions to achieve precise adjustments, leading to user frustration and inefficiency. The method involves detecting user interactions with a slider control, such as a thumb or handle, and dynamically responding to those interactions. When a user lifts their input device (e.g., mouse, stylus, or finger) after selecting a slider thumb, the system identifies this lift action. In response, the system receives a value representing the adjusted position of the slider and removes the graphical selection overlay from the thumb, indicating the interaction is complete. This provides immediate visual feedback, confirming the adjustment and improving user experience. The method ensures that the slider's position is accurately captured and displayed without requiring additional confirmation steps, streamlining the input process. The system may also include additional features, such as detecting drag movements to adjust the slider position before the lift action is registered. The invention enhances precision and usability in digital interfaces where sliders are used for parameter adjustments, such as volume controls, settings menus, or graphical design tools.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10 , further comprising: transmitting, by the processor to a software application executing by at least one hardware processor, the slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb, wherein the transmitted slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb is usable for further processing by the software application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for adjusting parameters in software applications. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and intuitive parameter adjustment in software applications, particularly where multiple parameters must be fine-tuned. The invention provides a method for dynamically adjusting a slider track value in a graphical user interface (GUI) and transmitting the updated value to a software application for further processing. The method involves displaying a slider track with at least two slider thumbs, each representing a parameter value. A user selects one slider thumb and repositions it along the slider track, which updates the associated parameter value. The system then transmits the updated slider track value to a software application executing on a hardware processor. The software application can use this value for further processing, such as adjusting settings, controlling functions, or modifying outputs. The method ensures real-time feedback and precise control over parameter adjustments, improving user experience and application functionality. The invention may be applied in various software contexts, including multimedia editing, data visualization, and system configuration tools.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , further comprising: identifying, by the processor, that the user interaction is a drag; responding, by the processor to the user interaction by: receiving information representing drag displacement, wherein the drag displacement represents that the user interaction has at least a non-zero movement; processing the information representing the drag displacement to determine a direction of movement along the slider track of the user interaction; identifying, as a function of at least the determined direction of movement, one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; selecting the one slider thumb identified on the basis of the determined direction of movement; repositioning the selected one slider thumb to the determined location along the slider track; providing a graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb; and determining a slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb along the slider track.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for adjusting values using slider controls, particularly in scenarios where multiple slider thumbs are present on a single track. The problem addressed is the ambiguity in selecting and manipulating individual slider thumbs when multiple thumbs are closely positioned, leading to unintended adjustments or user frustration. The solution involves a computer-implemented method that enhances slider interaction by dynamically identifying and selecting the appropriate slider thumb based on drag movement direction. When a user initiates a drag interaction, the system analyzes the drag displacement to determine the direction of movement along the slider track. Based on this direction, the system identifies and selects the nearest slider thumb in that direction, then repositions it to the new location. A graphical overlay is applied to the selected thumb to provide visual feedback, and the corresponding slider track value is updated. This method ensures precise and intuitive control over multiple slider thumbs, improving user experience in applications requiring fine-tuned adjustments, such as audio mixing, graphic design, or parameter tuning in software interfaces. The system processes drag input in real-time, dynamically adjusting selections to match user intent, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , further comprising: detecting, by the processor, in the graphical user interface via the range slider, further user interaction; identifying, by the processor, that the further user interaction includes at least one of a tap or a drag; responding, by the processor, to the user interaction by: receiving a second value representing the tap or the drag associated with the further user interaction; processing the second value to determine a location along the slider track of the further user interaction; determining, as a function of the determined location, a first location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and a second location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is along the slider track between the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; and providing a graphical position overlay in the range slider substantially at the position location along the slider track of the further user interaction.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to interactive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for range sliders, which are used to select a range of values within a defined interval. The problem addressed is improving user interaction with range sliders, particularly when users need to precisely select or adjust values within a specified range. Traditional range sliders often lack intuitive feedback when users interact with the slider track between the two thumbs, making it difficult to determine the exact position of the interaction relative to the selected range. The method involves detecting user interaction with a range slider in a GUI, such as a tap or drag gesture. The system processes the interaction to determine its location along the slider track and then calculates the positions of the two slider thumbs relative to this interaction. If the interaction occurs between the two thumbs, the system provides a graphical position overlay at the exact location of the interaction, visually indicating the user's selection or adjustment point. This overlay enhances user feedback, allowing for more precise and intuitive range selection. The method ensures that users can easily see where their input falls within the defined range, improving usability and accuracy in value selection.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13 , further comprising: removing, by the processor, the graphical selection overlay, and deselecting, by the processor, the selected one slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for adjusting parameters in a graphical environment, particularly for handling user interactions with slider controls. The problem addressed is the need for intuitive and efficient ways to manage multiple slider adjustments without cluttering the interface or causing user confusion. The method involves a graphical selection overlay that highlights a selected slider thumb, allowing precise adjustments while preventing unintended interactions with other sliders. When the user finishes adjusting the selected slider, the system removes the graphical selection overlay and deselects the slider thumb, restoring the interface to a neutral state. This ensures a clean and focused user experience, reducing errors and improving usability. The method may also include additional steps such as detecting user input to select a slider thumb, displaying the overlay, and enabling adjustments only for the selected slider. The system dynamically updates the interface to reflect changes in real-time, enhancing responsiveness and user control. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring fine-tuned parameter adjustments, such as audio mixing, graphic design, or data visualization tools.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with a computer program, the program comprising instructions that when executed by a hardware processor cause the hardware processor to perform operations comprising: provide, via a display, a graphical user interface and a range slider within the graphical user interface, wherein the range slider comprises a first slider thumb, a second slider thumb, and a slider track having the first and second slider thumbs slidable graphically therealong, and further wherein each of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb is positioned at a respective location along the slider track and each is associated with a corresponding value along the slider track; detect user interaction in the graphical user interface via the range slider; identify that the user interaction includes at least one of a tap or a drag; respond to the user interaction by: receiving a value representing the tap or the drag; processing the value to determine a location along the slider track of the user interaction; identifying, as a function of at least the determined location, the user interaction as being with one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; selecting the identified one slider thumb; repositioning the selected one slider thumb to the determined location along the slider track; providing a graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb; and determining a slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb along the slider track.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for interactive range selection using a range slider. The problem addressed is the need for an intuitive and precise method for users to adjust range values in a digital interface, particularly when selecting a range between two endpoints. The solution involves a range slider with two movable slider thumbs (first and second) on a track, where each thumb represents a value along the track. The system detects user interactions, such as taps or drags, to adjust the position of either thumb. When a user interacts with the slider, the system processes the input to determine the interaction's location along the track, identifies which thumb was targeted, repositions that thumb to the new location, and visually highlights the selected thumb with a graphical overlay. The system then calculates the corresponding value for the repositioned thumb based on its new location. This allows users to dynamically adjust range values in a user-friendly manner, with visual feedback to confirm selections. The invention improves usability by providing clear, interactive controls for range-based inputs in software applications.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory computer storage medium of claim 15 , wherein selecting the identified one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb further includes: selecting the first slider thumb by processing the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction, the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is closer to the position of the first slider thumb than the position of the second slider thumb, and further that the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction is not between the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb; or selecting the first slider thumb by processing the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction, the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is closer to the position of the second slider thumb than the position of the first slider thumb, and further that the determined location along the slider track of the user interaction is not between the location along the slider track of the first slider thumb and the location along the slider track of the second slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to user interface systems for selecting between two slider thumbs on a slider track in a graphical user interface. The problem addressed is improving the accuracy and intuitiveness of selecting one of two slider thumbs when a user interacts with a slider track, particularly when the interaction occurs near the midpoint between the two thumbs. The system determines the location of a user interaction along the slider track and compares it to the positions of the first and second slider thumbs. To select the first slider thumb, the system checks whether the user interaction is closer to the first thumb than the second thumb and ensures the interaction is not positioned between the two thumbs. Alternatively, the system may select the first slider thumb if the interaction is closer to the second thumb but still not between them. This logic ensures that the selection is unambiguous, preventing accidental selection of the wrong thumb when the interaction is near the midpoint. The method enhances user experience by reducing selection errors in dual-slider interfaces, such as those used in volume controls, brightness adjustments, or range selectors.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory computer storage medium of claim 15 , further comprising instructions that when executed by the hardware processor cause the hardware processor to perform operations comprising: identify that the user interaction includes a lift; respond to the user interaction by: receiving a value representing lift; and removing the graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for interactive graphical sliders, particularly in touch-based or gesture-controlled environments. The problem addressed is improving the responsiveness and clarity of user interactions with slider controls, especially when a user lifts their finger or input device from the interface. The system involves a graphical user interface with a slider that includes a movable thumb element. When a user interacts with the slider, the system detects the interaction and applies a graphical selection overlay to the thumb to indicate it is selected. The system then monitors the interaction for a lift gesture, which is a user action where the input device (e.g., finger or stylus) is raised or removed from the interface. Upon detecting a lift, the system receives a value representing the position of the thumb at the time of the lift and removes the graphical selection overlay, returning the slider to its default visual state. This ensures the user receives clear feedback that their input has been registered and the selection is complete. The system may also include additional features such as adjusting the slider position based on the lift value or triggering further actions in response to the interaction. The invention enhances user experience by providing immediate visual confirmation of input completion and reducing ambiguity in slider interactions.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory computer storage medium of claim 17 , further comprising instructions that when executed by the hardware processor cause the hardware processor to perform operations comprising: transmit, to a software application executing by at least one hardware processor, the slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb, wherein the transmitted slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb is usable for further processing by the software application.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for dynamically adjusting and transmitting slider track values in a graphical user interface (GUI) involves a non-transitory computer storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a hardware processor, enable a user to interact with a slider control element. The slider control element includes a track and at least one movable slider thumb. The system detects user input selecting one of the slider thumbs and repositions the selected slider thumb along the track based on the user input. The system then calculates a slider track value corresponding to the repositioned location of the selected slider thumb. This calculated slider track value is transmitted to a software application executing on at least one hardware processor. The transmitted slider track value is usable by the software application for further processing, such as adjusting parameters, triggering actions, or updating display elements based on the new slider position. The system ensures real-time responsiveness and accuracy in transmitting the slider track value to the software application, enabling seamless integration with various applications that rely on user-adjustable input controls.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The non-transitory computer storage medium of claim 15 , further comprising instructions that when executed by the hardware processor cause the hardware processor to perform operations comprising: identify that the user interaction is a drag; respond to the user interaction by: receiving information representing drag displacement, wherein the drag displacement represents that the user interaction has at least a non-zero movement; processing the information representing the drag displacement to determine a direction of movement along the slider track of the user interaction; identifying, as a function of at least the determined direction of movement, one of the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; selecting the one slider thumb identified on the basis of the determined direction of movement; repositioning the selected one slider thumb to the determined location along the slider track; providing a graphical selection overlay on the selected slider thumb; and determining a slider track value associated with the repositioned location of the selected one slider thumb along the slider track.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for adjusting values using slider controls. The problem addressed is improving the precision and intuitiveness of slider interactions, particularly when multiple slider thumbs are present on a single track. The invention provides a method for processing drag-based user interactions with a slider control to accurately select and reposition one of multiple slider thumbs based on the direction of the drag movement. When a user performs a drag gesture, the system analyzes the displacement to determine the direction of movement along the slider track. Based on this direction, the system identifies and selects the appropriate slider thumb (either the first or second thumb) and repositions it to the new location along the track. A graphical overlay is then applied to the selected thumb to visually confirm the selection. The system also calculates and updates the slider track value corresponding to the repositioned thumb. This approach ensures that users can precisely adjust values using drag gestures, even when multiple thumbs are present, by dynamically selecting the correct thumb based on movement direction. The invention enhances usability by providing clear visual feedback and accurate value adjustments in response to user interactions.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The non-transitory computer storage medium of claim 15 , further comprising instructions that when executed by the hardware processor cause the hardware processor to perform operations comprising: detect, in the graphical user interface via the range slider, further user interaction; identify that the further user interaction includes at least one of a tap or a drag; respond to the user interaction by: receiving a second value representing the tap or the drag associated with the further user interaction; processing the second value to determine a location along the slider track of the further user interaction; determining, as a function of the determined location, a first location along the slider track of the first slider thumb, and a second location along the slider track of the second slider thumb, to determine that the location of the user interaction is along the slider track between the first slider thumb and the second slider thumb; and providing a graphical position overlay in the range slider substantially at the position location along the slider track of the further user interaction.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with range sliders, addressing the challenge of improving user interaction precision and feedback. A range slider typically includes two movable slider thumbs defining a selectable range on a track. The invention enhances this by detecting user interactions such as taps or drags on the slider track. When a user interacts with the track, the system processes the interaction to determine its precise location along the slider track. It then identifies whether this location falls between the two slider thumbs. If so, the system provides a graphical position overlay at the interaction point, visually indicating the exact position relative to the slider thumbs. This overlay helps users refine their selections by providing immediate feedback on where their input is registered within the defined range. The invention improves usability by making it easier to adjust or confirm the position of selections within a range slider, particularly in applications requiring precise input, such as data filtering or parameter adjustment. The system dynamically responds to user input, ensuring real-time feedback and enhancing the overall interaction experience.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

October 13, 2020

Inventors

Anthony Nicholas Robledo
David Haw Yun Chiu
Cortney Cassidy

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Cite as: Patentable. “MECHANISM FOR RANGE SLIDER THUMB SELECTION” (10802697). https://patentable.app/patents/10802697

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MECHANISM FOR RANGE SLIDER THUMB SELECTION